Woods has struggled in his limited time on the course since undergoing multiple back surgeries but sought to put to rest any lingering doubts about at least the balky short game that publicly plagued him in 2015.

"I love chipping," Woods said. "I’ve worked so hard on changing my technique. That part is not an issue. I’m fine."

For now, Woods appears to be staying focused on his game and enjoying some new perspective.

"You block out the noise," Woods said of the expectations surrounding his return. "My job is to go out there and execute and win tournaments. I miss being out here with these guys. It’s a fraternity … Having back surgery allowed me to take a step back and say 'I’m not going to be doing this forever.'"

Tiger Woods, 2015 Wyndham Championship

Tiger Woods has not teed it up competitively since the 2015 Wyndham Championship.